By Frances Townsend
A Memorandum of Understanding updating the Bethany Theological Seminary polity regarding members of the school’s board of trustees was approved by the delegate body. The original polity of the seminary was described in Polity Regarding Annual Conference Agencies approved by the 2022 Annual Conference.
This Memorandum of Understanding is only an interim measure, as a new agency covenant is being developed with Standing Committee.
With the polity change now approved, a majority of the 25 members of the seminary’s board of trustees must have membership in the Church of the Brethren or the Global Church of the Brethren Communion. Other members from outside the denomination shall possess knowledge and skills needed to bring expertise and vision to the board. Instead of the election process currently in use, new members of the board shall be affirmed by Annual Conference. The board development committee does welcome nominations through the Annual Conference nomination process. Other details, such as length of term and additional eligibility requirements, are also laid out in the document.
Find the full text of this and the other business items coming to the 2024 Annual Conference at www.brethren.org/ac2024/business.
#cobac2024
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